Lefno 20mg Leflunomide 20 mg Tablets is a medication used to treat:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints, as well as skin and nail symptoms
Composition: Each tablet of Lefno contains 20mg of Leflunomide (an active pharmaceutical ingredient), a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).
Mechanism of Action: Leflunomide works by:
- Inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that promote inflammation and tissue damage
- Inhibiting the proliferation of T-cells, which are immune cells that play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases
- Reducing the production of antibodies, which are proteins that can contribute to inflammation and tissue damage
Dosage: The recommended dose of Lefno is:
- 20mg once daily, taken with or without food
- The dose should be adjusted according to patient response and tolerance
Side Effects: Common side effects of Lefno include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Hair loss
- Skin rash or itching
Rare but serious side effects include:
- Severe allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis)
- Blood disorders (e.g. agranulocytosis, neutropenia)
- Liver damage or liver failure
- Pancreatitis (e.g. inflammation of the pancreas)
- Interstitial lung disease (e.g. scarring of the lungs)
Recommendation: Lefno is recommended for patients with RA or PsA who have not responded to other treatments or who have had unacceptable side effects. Patients with kidney disease or other medical conditions that may affect their ability to respond to treatment should be closely monitored while taking Lefno.
Important Note:
- Lefno should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider with experience in the treatment of RA or PsA.
- Patients should be advised to report any symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Lefno may interact with other medications, such as warfarin or antacids. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting Lefno therapy.
- Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking Lefno and for at least 2 years after stopping treatment.
Special Precautions:
- Patients with liver disease should be closely monitored while taking Lefno.
- Patients with kidney disease should be closely monitored while taking Lefno.
- Patients with a history of blood disorders should be closely monitored while taking Lefno.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before taking Lefno.
Indications:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
Contraindications:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Severe liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
- Blood disorders (e.g. agranulocytosis, neutropenia)
Note: The above information is a general summary and is not intended to provide individualized advice or recommendations. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance on the use of Lefno 20mg Leflunomide 20 mg Tablets.
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